Question

The cells are prone to damage at which region?

(a) Inside the gas bubble

(b) Outside the medium

(c) Interface of a gas bubble and medium

(d) Inside the medium

The question was asked in an internship interview.

My question is based upon Bioreactor Considerations in chapter Bioprocess Considerations in Using Animal Cell Cultures of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer 1

Correct choice is (c) Interface of a gas bubble and medium

To elaborate: Only cells that are at the interface of an eddy and another eddy or another surface (e.g., reactor wall) are likely to experience damage. Cells at the gas–liquid interface are particularly prone to damage. The breakage of air bubbles is particularly destructive to cells that accumulate at the interface of a gas bubble and medium.